CMU support puts book in elementary schools

 University is promoting its new master of arts degree in reading and literacy K-12

By Sam Easter
The Saginaw News

SAGINAW, Mich. (AP) — This fall, Central Michigan University is teaching students their ABCs.

As part of efforts to advertise its new master of arts degree in reading and literacy K-12, expected to be offered in January, CMU purchased 205 copies of the alphabet-themed “Z to A in the Great Lakes Bay,” picture book for distribution to schools in September and October. The move, in partnership with the READ Association of Saginaw County, benefits the charitable group to the tune of $2,000.

“Once we heard their mission, their goals, their commitment to children and education in that area, it seemed like a perfect fit,” Ruthie White, associate director of Marketing in Michigan for CMU’s Global Campus, told The Saginaw News. “Whether or not (these readers) become Chippewas, that’s our service to the community.”

Carol Lechel, director of the READ Association, said the purchase is a benefit.

“It’s a win-win for us,” Lechel said. “Not only is the book being given to schools for children to use, the proceeds from the sale of the book benefit our program,” a continuation of the Reading Is Fundamental program, which lost federal funding in 2011.

The READ Association’s READ Book Giveaway Program, like the old program, works to provide the children it mentors with free books of their choosing. Since its publication in April 2013, sales of “Z to A” has raised about $14,000 for the association.

A number of Saginaw County schools received 25 books, including Carrollton Elementary; Chesaning’s Big Rock Elementary; the Saginaw School District’s Kempton, Heavenrich, Rouse and Houghton elementaries; Saginaw Township Community Schools’ Sherwood Elementary; and the Swan Valley School District’s Shields Elementary. Frankenmeuth Elementary School received five books.

“Z to A” is a reverse-alphabet book that takes readers on a tour of the Great Lakes Bay Region, with pages dedicated to a letter and a corresponding activity. “G” is for gargoyle includes brief information about the Castle Museum in Saginaw, as well as a URL. “F” is for fireworks and includes information and a link to the webpage for Bay City’s annual Fourth of July fireworks shows.

Published in April, the book’s contributing authors, photographers and editor all donated their time to the book’s compilation, and corporate backers, including Great Lakes Bay Publishing and Dow Chemical Co., ensured the book’s production was free as well.

“Because it involves our community, there are things that are real to our kids, and that’s so much better than having them read about something that’s far away,” said Sherry Couture, principal of Houghton Elementary School. “For a lot of kids, reading something that means something to them is the most important part of getting them to read.”

“Z to A” is available for purchase for $12 at locations listed on the READ Association’s website, including at The Children’s Zoo in Saginaw and Herman Hiss & Co. in Bay City.

Couture said it’s a good book for everyone, not just the younger crowd.

“Not just students, adults, too — I mean, I learned things I didn’t know about the area, and I thought I was pretty knowledgeable,” she said.